Pakistan star Shahid Afridi has been named a tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be contested in the West Indies and the United States, according to an ICC release issued on Friday. With this news, Afridi joins an outstanding group of ambassadors that includes India’s Yuvraj Singh, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, and the world’s fastest athlete, Usain Bolt. Afridi is associated with Pakistan’s most memorable moments in T20 World Cup history. He was instrumental in their reaching the final of the first tournament in 2007 and winning the 2009 edition.
Afridi came through for Pakistan in both years; he was Player of the Tournament in the 2007 tournament, when they were defeated on the last day by archrivals India. They quickly moved on from that loss and won the trophy in the next edition, with Afridi being named Player of the Match in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final for an all-round performance against Sri Lanka.
The former Pakistan captain reminisced about the T20 World Cup and shared his delight at being named tournament ambassador for the forthcoming edition.
Afridi came through for Pakistan in both years; he was Player of the Tournament in the 2007 tournament, when they were defeated on the last day by archrivals India. They quickly moved on from that loss and won the trophy in the next edition, with Afridi being named Player of the Match in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final for an all-round performance against Sri Lanka.
The T20 World Cup has grown in popularity in recent years, and I’m excited to be a part of this edition, which will include more teams, matches, and drama than ever before. I’m particularly looking forward to watching India vs Pakistan on June 9. It is one of the greatest rivalries in sports, and New York will be an appropriate venue for this must-see match between two great teams,” the former Pakistan captain remarked.
The ICC General Manager also stated his thoughts regarding Afridi’s hiring. “Shahid competed in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, two of which as captain and delivering a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009, so who better to join our all-star Ambassador team,” said Claire Furlong.
“He’s a fan favourite around the world and alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will be bringing fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever,” Furlong said.
